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Schizophrenia Research Dec 2023Although the concept of schizophrenia is still widely presented as having replaced that of dementia praecox, studies have shown that the former was broader than the...
BACKGROUND
Although the concept of schizophrenia is still widely presented as having replaced that of dementia praecox, studies have shown that the former was broader than the latter, resulting in a more complex diagnostic redistribution. However, this is poorly documented by quantitative approaches.
AIMS
We sought to test the hypothesis that the use of the concept of schizophrenia had caused a diagnostic redistribution and to quantify it.
METHOD
A retrospective study, based on admission register archives of the Strasbourg University Clinic of Psychiatry was conducted. The frequency of diagnoses given to patients were examined at two key time periods: one before (TP1) and one after (TP2) the introduction of the schizophrenia concept (established between 1926 and 1928). Eight main diagnoses related to schizophrenia were considered.
RESULTS
Patients diagnosed with schizophrenia at TP2 mainly received the diagnoses of dementia praecox but also depression, hebephrenia, manic depressive illness, hysteria, paraphrenia, catatonia and mania at TP1. Dementia praecox and hebephrenia were the most relayed by schizophrenia. Bayesian sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of our data against distinct scenarios challenging our hypothesis.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirm the broadening of the concept of schizophrenia compared to that of dementia praecox but also qualify the different concepts supposed to have been impacted. They provide unique quantitative data that define the contours of the diagnostic redistribution thus provoked. They also give relevant input in the current context where the need to rethink the DSM/ICD concept of schizophrenia is still debated.
Topics: Humans; Bayes Theorem; Retrospective Studies; Schizophrenia, Disorganized; Schizophrenia, Paranoid; Bipolar Disorder
PubMed: 37918290
DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.10.020 -
Cureus Sep 2023This case report provides a vivid illustration of a schizophrenic case in a 59-year-old man with auditory hallucinations, illuminating the nature of his symptoms....
This case report provides a vivid illustration of a schizophrenic case in a 59-year-old man with auditory hallucinations, illuminating the nature of his symptoms. Auditory hallucinations were prominent, and the patient received voices urging him to perform actions that clearly corresponded to his paranoid thoughts. Through comprehensive research and long-term follow-up, this report reveals the complexity of traumatic schizophrenia, highlighting the importance of early recognition and intervention. One must emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, including psychiatric assessment, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapy. This case report aims to highlight the critical role of comprehensive individual care in improving the patient's condition and emphasizes the importance of compassionate healthcare practices.
PubMed: 37900418
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46092 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023It has been widely suggested that delusional disorder (DD) differs from schizophrenia (SZ). However, whether the two disorders are truly distinct from each other is...
BACKGROUND
It has been widely suggested that delusional disorder (DD) differs from schizophrenia (SZ). However, whether the two disorders are truly distinct from each other is inconclusive as an older age of onset is closely linked to a better prognosis in psychotic disorders. In order to delineate the potential influence of age on outcomes, we undertook a systematic review on the clinical and functional differences between DD and SZ in age-matched and non-age-matched cohorts.
METHODS
Electronic databases were retrieved up to May 2022. Included studies were analyzed with reference to statements about clinical, cognitive and functional differences between DD and SZ.
RESULTS
Data synthesized from 8 studies showed (1) extensive effects of age on positive, general psychopathological symptoms and functioning, but (2) consistent differences between the two disorders in terms of negative symptoms and hospitalizations regardless of age matching.
CONCLUSION
There is currently insufficient evidence to conclude whether DD is completely distinct from SZ, but our review showed support for the confounding effect of age in comparisons of psychotic disorders with different ages of onset. Future studies shall take note of other possible confounding variables, methods of age-matching and the importance of longitudinal information in deducing whether the two disorders differ from each other in course and outcome.
PubMed: 37881596
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1272833 -
The Diagnostic Workup, Screening, and Treatment Approaches for Patients with Delusional Infestation.Dermatology and Therapy Dec 2023Delusional infestation (DI) is a psychiatric disorder defined by the fixed, false belief that one has been infested by an organism without evidence to support this.... (Review)
Review
Delusional infestation (DI) is a psychiatric disorder defined by the fixed, false belief that one has been infested by an organism without evidence to support this. Patients may present with skin lesions and report abnormal cutaneous sensations. The diagnostic workup for patients presenting with delusional infestation is essential to ensuring accurate diagnosis in ruling out other explanations for symptoms and investigating potential secondary causes of DI. In addition to a comprehensive history and physical examination, laboratory workup should be considered depending on the clinical picture. Antipsychotic medications are the most common drugs used in management of adults with DI and tailor the choice of treatment according to patient characteristics. This article serves as a guide for dermatologists, psychiatrists, and other clinicians as it reviews the workup and screening that should be considered when managing a patient with delusional infestation and subsequent treatment protocols once the diagnosis has been made.
PubMed: 37872445
DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-01053-4 -
Clinical Psychopharmacology and... Nov 2023: Antipsychotic drugs are known as the major cause of non-neoplastic hyperprolactinemia. This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum prolactin depending on the...
OBJECTIVE
: Antipsychotic drugs are known as the major cause of non-neoplastic hyperprolactinemia. This study aimed to investigate the levels of serum prolactin depending on the use of antipsychotic drugs in patients through the Clinical Data Warehouse (CDW).
METHODS
: We conducted a cohort search in the CDW application and got 260 patients' medical records diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders, manic episodes, and bipolar affective disorders who were taking one of risperidone, blonanserin, amisulpride, and olanzapine. After that, we reviewed the medical data and used the ANCOVA analysis and the post hoc test to compare serum prolactin levels among four antipsychotic drug groups.
RESULTS
: Among the 117 subjects included in the analysis, the mean serum prolactin level was 64.6 ± 54.6 ng/ml. Serum prolactin levels were significantly higher in subjects taking risperidone or amisulpride compared to blonanserin and olanzapine. The female subjects who took blonanserin, olanzapine, and risperidone had significantly higher prolactin levels, but there was no difference in serum prolactin levels between sex in the subjects who took amisulpride.
CONCLUSION
: This study suggests the need for regular monitoring of serum prolactin levels in patients who are taking antipsychotics, especially in female patients. And we showed that there is a possibility to conduct more effective and simpler big data research using the CDW. Further studies on the subjects with controlled confounding variables and larger sample groups are needed.
PubMed: 37859450
DOI: 10.9758/cpn.23.1057 -
American Journal of Medical Genetics.... Apr 2024Boven published, in 1915, his MD thesis at the University of Lausanne in which he examined 60 3- to 4-generation pedigrees ascertained from admitted patients with... (Review)
Review
Boven published, in 1915, his MD thesis at the University of Lausanne in which he examined 60 3- to 4-generation pedigrees ascertained from admitted patients with dementia praecox (DP) and manic-depressive insanity (MDI). He asked three questions: (i) were DP and MDI hereditary? (ii) were they the same or distinct conditions? and (iii) were they Mendelian disorders? Based on the rarity of environmental precipitants severe enough to cause disorder onset and the pattern of disorders in relatives, Boven concluded that both disorders were inherited. He found that MDI largely ran in families through direct transmission across generations while DP was only common in collateral relatives. Both pedigrees contained a substantial number of "psychopathic" (personality disordered) relatives in which DP and MDI pedigrees typically had, respectively, paranoid, and dysthymic/cyclothymic features. Boven concludes that their inheritance is largely distinct but not exclusive, as some pedigrees contained cases of both disorders. With assistance from Wilhelm Weinberg, Boven applied algebraic models with proband correction to rates of DP and MDI in sibships and found the results inconsistent with Mendelian transmission. His study represents among the first examinations, using "modern" methods, of the familial relationship between DP and MDI and the first published in French.
Topics: Male; Humans; Schizophrenia; Heredity; Psychotic Disorders; Bipolar Disorder; Family
PubMed: 37858604
DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32961 -
Cureus Sep 2023Myxedema coma is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when severe hypothyroidism is untreated or inadequately managed. It is characterized by a...
Myxedema coma is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when severe hypothyroidism is untreated or inadequately managed. It is characterized by a rapid drop in mental status, hypothermia, respiratory failure, hypotension, and other symptoms of severe metabolic dysfunction. The condition primarily affects older women with a history of thyroid dysfunction but can occur in any age or gender group. A common trigger for this condition is seen with a drop in atmospheric temperatures or during the cold winter months. However, a rare, poorly documented trigger is recent antipsychotic use in severe hypothyroid states. The diagnosis of myxedema coma requires prompt recognition and treatment, as delays can result in significant morbidity and mortality which is the objective of this case report.
PubMed: 37842468
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.45190 -
Journal of the Academy of... 2024Othello syndrome (OS) is a condition characterized by a delusion of jealousy that one's spouse is having extramarital affairs. As in the eponymous Shakespearean tragedy,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Othello syndrome (OS) is a condition characterized by a delusion of jealousy that one's spouse is having extramarital affairs. As in the eponymous Shakespearean tragedy, there is an unfortunate risk of violence. For patients with these symptoms, consultation-liaison psychiatrists may be asked to assist with evaluating the differential diagnosis, assessing safety, and developing treatment options.
OBJECTIVE
This study's objective was to solidify current knowledge of the clinical presentations and management of OS through a systematic review of the literature and description of 2 new cases.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search from the start of relevant databases through August 2023 to identify English language case reports of adults (≥18 years) with OS that described clinical evaluations, biological treatments, and outcomes. We extracted demographics, proposed etiologies, treatment choices and responses, duration of delusions, comorbid psychiatric symptoms, neuro-radiographic findings, and presence of physical violence. We reported clinical findings for 2 new cases.
RESULTS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we screened 705 abstracts and conducted full-text reviews of 118 articles to identify 73 cases published from 1983 to 2023 meeting inclusion criteria. The mean age was 58.2 years with male predominance (M:F = 1.88). Etiologies included primary psychiatric disorders (16, 22%), other medical conditions (38, 52%), and medications or other substances (19, 26%). Delusional disorder, cerebrovascular accident, and dopaminergic agonists were the most common etiologies, respectively, in these groups. Antipsychotics were the most common treatment (57, 78%). Symptom remission was reported in 51 (70%) cases. The average duration of OS was 39.5 months. Of 32 cases reporting brain imaging insults, 12 of 20 (60%) showed right-sided lesions, and 8 of 20 (40%) showed left-sided lesions, with 9 of 32 (28%) located in the frontal lobes. The most commonly co-existing psychiatric symptom was depression (14, 19%). Violence was reported in 25 cases (34%). Our 2 new cases were consistent with these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
OS may be a manifestation of several neuropsychiatric conditions, primarily delusional disorder, cerebrovascular accident, Alzheimer's dementia, and the use of dopaminergic agonists. One-third of cases include violent behaviors. It appears to respond to antipsychotic medications, but treatment is delayed more than 3 years on average. Available data have not localized OS to a specific brain region.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Schizophrenia, Paranoid; Delusions; Dopamine Agonists; Antipsychotic Agents; Stroke
PubMed: 37832650
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2023.09.006 -
BMC Psychiatry Oct 2023There is a notable a gap between promising research findings and implementation of digital health tools. Understanding and addressing barriers to use is key to...
BACKGROUND
There is a notable a gap between promising research findings and implementation of digital health tools. Understanding and addressing barriers to use is key to widespread implementation.
METHODS
A survey was administered to a self-selecting sample in-person (n = 157) or online (n = 58), with questions examining: i) ownership and usage rates of digital devices among people with psychosis; ii) interest in using technology to engage with mental health services; and iii) facilitators of and barriers to using digital tools in a mental healthcare context.
RESULTS
Device ownership: Virtually all participants owned a mobile phone (95%) or smartphone (90%), with Android phones slightly more prevalent than iPhones. Only a minority owned a fitness tracker (15%) or smartwatch (13%). Device ownership was significantly lower in unemployed people and those without secondary education. Device cost and paranoid ideation were barriers to ownership. Technology and mental health services: Most participants (88%) said they would willingly try a mental health app. Symptom monitoring apps were most popular, then appointment reminders and medication reminders. Half the sample would prefer an app alongside face-to-face support; the other half preferred remote support or no other mental health support. Facilitators: Participants thought using a mental health app could increase their understanding of psychosis generally, and of their own symptoms. They valued the flexibility of digital tools in enabling access to support anywhere, anytime. Barriers: Prominent barriers to using mental health apps were forgetting, lack of motivation, security concerns, and concerns it would replace face-to-face care. Overall participants reported no substantial effects of technology on their mental health, although a quarter said using a phone worsened paranoid ideation. A third used technology more when psychotic symptoms were higher, whereas a third used it less. Around half used technology more when experiencing low mood.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest rapidly increasing device ownership among people with psychosis, mirroring patterns in the general population. Smartphones appear appropriate for delivering internet-enabled support for psychosis. However, for a sub-group of people with psychosis, the sometimes complex interaction between technology and mental health may act as a barrier to engagement, alongside more prosaic factors such as forgetting.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Psychotic Disorders; Smartphone; Surveys and Questionnaires; Cell Phone
PubMed: 37803367
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05114-y -
La Revue Du Praticien Sep 2023PARANOID PERSONALITY DISORDER. The paranoid personality disorder fascinates and worries health professionals, who are sometimes victims of aggressive claims from their...
PARANOID PERSONALITY DISORDER. The paranoid personality disorder fascinates and worries health professionals, who are sometimes victims of aggressive claims from their patients. Overestimation of oneself, psychorigidity, distrust and relational hyperesthesia characterize the paranoid type of personality disorder. This disorder is often associated with co-morbidities which mask it and promote decompensation towards a delusional disorder with the risk of heteroaggressive acts or towards a severe depressive disorder with suicidal risk. On the basis of regular monitoring and exhaustive assesment, management requires rigor and balance in the sharing of information, the use of psychotropic drugs or hospitalization, if necessary, in compulsory care.
Topics: Humans; Paranoid Personality Disorder; Violence; Depressive Disorder; Comorbidity
PubMed: 37796270
DOI: No ID Found